Fishlake Meadows Circular Walk
2.1 miles (3.3 km)This circular walk explores the Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve in Romsey.
The reserve lies just north of the town and includes pleasant walking trails taking you around a series of pretty lakes. There's also waterside paths along canals and streams, with lots of wildlife to look out for on the way.... Keep your eyes peeled for rarer birds such as bitterns and ospreys.
You can continue your walking on the Romsey Canal which runs into the town from the reserve.
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Fishlake Meadows from central viewing screen. The site was originally used as intensive farmland, but after pumping operations ceased in the 1990s, nature reclaimed the area, transforming it into a spectacular mosaic of reedbeds, open water, and wet fens. Today, it is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Test Valley Borough Council, offering a unique "wilderness in the town" experience.
Summer by the river, adjacent to Fishlake Meadows. The reserve is highly regarded as a premier birdwatching destination, supporting over 190 species. During migration, hunting ospreys are a frequent highlight, while the dense reedbeds provide essential habitat for elusive bitterns and various warblers such as the Cetti’s and sedge warbler. In the winter months, visitors can witness massive starling murmurations and a variety of wildfowl, including teal and shoveler, which flock to the open water areas.
Former canal at Fishlake Meadows. Beyond its diverse birdlife, the meadows support mammals like otters and water voles, along with 24 species of dragonflies and damselflies. You can explore the landscape via a network of surfaced paths and the historic Romsey Barge Canal towpath. A dedicated car park at Oxlease Meadows provides daily access from 8 am to 6 pm, and strategically placed viewing screens allow for close-up wildlife observation without disturbing the natural habitat.
River Test by Fishlake Meadows